Best International Stopovers on the Way to India: Two Trips for the Price of One
by Travelopod
August 15, 2023
Take two trips for the price of one on your next trip to India. Read the blog to know the best international stopovers.
International Stopovers At-at-Glance
Did you know that you can take two trips for the price of one on your next trip to India? Exciting, right? Utilizing airline stopover programs is an excellent way to cram even more travel opportunities into your trip to India by adding a whole new location to your itinerary.
Whether you’re staying for a few hours or a few nights, you can pick from a choice of packages to stopover in between flights and extend your holiday while adding a new destination to your travel. Ready to plan a trip to India? This is our comprehensive guide to some of the best international stopovers that you shouldn’t miss if you are traveling to India.
Singapore Airlines Stopover in Singapore
You can make the most of a stopover at Changi International Airport when traveling through Singapore. Changi Airport provides complimentary transit tours to travelers who have at least 5.5 hours of stopover time. This teeny-tiny city-state might be small, but there are a plethora of things to do. Singapore is a melting pot of cultures and a feast for the senses, which deserves a 2-3 day break before going to India. You can get direct flights to India from Singapore once you’ve explored the city.
Things you should not miss when in Singapore:
- Take a stroll at Gardens by the Bay.
- Visit Marina Bay Sands, the Superlatives of Singapore.
- Take Instagram-worthy photos at the Merlion.
Turkish Airlines Stopover in Istanbul
Ever heard of an airline giving free accommodations on your stopover? No, well, hold your horses, because when booking flights to India, if you're flying on a Turkish airline with a stopover ticket, you can avail of this service (T&Cs apply). Even if you don’t have an extended stopover, this historical city deserves a tour of 2-3 days with a plethora of things to do.
Did you know?
Turkey is both a European and an Asian country. Its neighbors to the northwest are Bulgaria; Greece to the west; Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Iran to the east; Georgia to the northeast; Syria to the south; and Iraq to the southeast. So you can easily travel to its neighboring countries and rest of the Europe by keeping Turkey as your base country.
Things you should not miss while in Istanbul
- Tour the ancient city of Ephesus.
- Luxuriate in the Turkish bath.
- Join a food tour in Istanbul.
Qatar Airways Stopover in Doha
Consider booking a Qatar Airways flight with an extended stopover in Doha to break up ultra-long flights to India. For layovers of more than 12 hours, Qatar offers discounted hotel accommodations (beginning at $14 per night in a four-star hotel), airport transportation, and city tours. You can also take a halt for 2-3 days to explore, and then book cheap Qatar Airways flights from the USA to India.
Things you should not miss when in Doha
- Go on a Sand Dune Adventure
- Soak up the atmosphere along the Doha Corniche.
- Skydiving
Etihad Airways Stopover in Abu Dhabi
The airline Etihad Airways offers complimentary stopovers in Abu Dhabi for travelers on their flights to India or anywhere on the globe. The stopover is accessible to economy, business, and first-class travelers and allows them to spend up to four nights exploring Abu Dhabi.
When you plan a stopover of at least 24 hours, you can utilize your airline booking number to secure a hotel stay at one of Abu Dhabi's more than 20 luxury hotels. Depending on where you book, you might get a free night's stay or a 40% discount.
Things you should not miss when in Abu Dhabi
- Visit the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.
- Admire the Global Culture and Art Collection at the Louvre Abu Dhabi.
- Chill out on Saadiyat Island's sandy shore.
Finnair Airline Stopover in Helsinki, Finland
Northern lights in Scandinavia? Sure you can check this bucket list as part of your travel from the USA to India? Well, Finnair offers free stopovers in Helsinki while flying through Helsinki Airport (HEL). On your journey to your final destination, you may also make a pit stop for 4-5 days and then continue your flight to India.
Things you should not miss when in Helsinki
- Visit the Post Museum
- Relax in Sinebrychoff Park
- Wander the Suomenlinna Fortress
Emirates Free Stopover in Dubai, U.A.E.
Passengers with extended transit periods on Emirates Dubai Connect may be eligible for a complimentary hotel stay, free meals, airport transfers, and a free entrance visa into the UAE on their Emirates flight from the USA to India.
Passengers with a connecting stopover time in Dubai of 8–26 hours can use Emirates Dubai Connect. Please keep in mind that this program is only applicable if you take the next available connecting flight.
Did You Know?
You can keep Dubai as your base and enjoy holidaying in the rest of the Emirates, like Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah, at all-inclusive resorts.
Things you should not miss when in Dubai
- Mesmerizing view from Burj Khalifa
- Stroll among the flowers at Dubai Miracle Garden.
- Take a trip across Dubai Creek and Dubai Marina.
KLM/Delta/Air France in Paris and Amsterdam
KLM, Delta, and Air France provide passengers with complimentary stopovers for up to a year. You are free to go wherever you like as long as you are connecting on KLM, Delta, or Air France aircraft. This stopover is not available if you are connecting with another aircraft. This layover is feasible at a variety of airports. Amsterdam and Paris, the hub cities of KLM, Delta, and Air France, are the most convenient places to make this layover.
Things you should not miss when in Paris
- Eiffel Tower: A view worth a thousand words
- Try a lip-smacking dish, Charolais beef filet, at La Poule Au Pot
- Wander through Paris' history at the Musée Carnavalet
Things you should not miss when in Amsterdam
- Get brunch at Cafe Georgette on P.C. Hoofstraat
- Walk around Albert Cuyp Market
- Go on a canal boat cruise
Swiss Air Stopover in Switzerland
If you're flying Swiss internationally from anywhere on their network, you're most likely going through Switzerland on your way to your final destination. This probably indicates a stop at a Swiss hub in Zurich or Geneva. It's a fantastic city, and the flag carrier has implemented a free stopover service to encourage people to explore Switzerland rather than simply fly through it.
Did You Know?
There are many countries in Europe and Asia that are within easy reach of Switzerland, so you can be sure to find something to interest you. You can visit the following countries and then can book your tickets to India:
- France
- Italy
- Austria
- Liechtenstein
- Germany
- Netherlands
- Belgium
Things you should not miss when in Switzerland
- Float down the Rhine in Basel
- Ride the Glacier Express
- Take the Eiger Express to Jungfraujoch
Virgin Atlantic or British Airways Stopover in London
Flying to India from Virgin Atlantic or British Airways? Enjoy your stopover in London. Take full advantage of your stopover, whatever time you land. From an early morning stroll across the Thames to a cozy evening in a traditional London pub.
Things you should not miss when in London
- Get Wizardy at Harry Potter Studios
- The London Eye
- Tour Buckingham Palace and St. James Park.
The Takeaway
There you have it, dear NRI friends—these fantastic stopover cities that’ll add a dash of excitement to your next trip to India from the USA. Whether you’re staying for a few hours or a few nights, you can pick from a choice of packages to stopover in between flights and extend your holiday while adding a new destination to your travel. Say goodbye to boring layovers and hello to unforgettable adventures.
Bon voyage, and happy exploring!
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